Hmm...looks like Larry was here...

I'm hesitant to tell Larry if there are any problems with our condo because I've realized what the outcome is.
First there was the leaky ceiling in the bathroom.
Here are a couple pictures of Larry at work. What you don't see is the rubble all over the floor. Look at that concentration...this guy means business, why else would he do home repairs in a nicely pressed collared shirt?


Then there was the leaky door. Larry had only taken a look at it for two seconds when I found him with tools in hand, tearing it apart. Oh the horror...

Then last night Larry found a couple ants in the bathroom. I imagine the words that came to his mind were "Ants? In my bathroom? This must stop!" This is the scene I found minutes later...

I have to admit though, he is quite the handyman. Check out the beautifully finished ceiling..oh but notice the towel rod is gone, that got ripped apart because it was 'defective.'

Oh well, I gotta love him! He just like's to fix things...which is...nice ;) I'd just prefer to not see the destructive process.

Baby news from the Jaten's and Bidwell's

Well, they may have made the news a little while ago, but I thought I should share it. :) My oldest sister Amy and her husband Benson are due to become parents on February 17, 2009. (I think that's the date, let me know Amy) And Larry's oldest sister Jennifer, aka JJ, and her husband Rob are due to add another baby to their crew February 24, 2009. Though we're saddened that our baby won't come on February 23, 2009 as expected, we look forward to having new nephews/nieces and wish the Jaten's and Bidwell's the very best. We're so excited for you guys!

Somebody cracked the code...

We got a card for our openhouse with the following enclosed. Larry couldn't agree more that I'm fluent in this language...

9 Words Women Use

1. Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

2. Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

3. Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

4. Go Ahead This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

5. Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but it is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.

6. That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

7. Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome.

8. Whatever: Is a woman's way of saying forget you, get lost, etc!

9. Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to #3.

Aren't we all a little familiar with those 'words'? :D

Thanks for putting up with me Larry!

Our Wedding Photos

We finally got our wedding photos! It took them 10 weeks to get them to us and the CD was labeled "Mandy & Larry" But we assure you these are pictures of Megan & Larry's wedding. You can click on the slideshow on the side panel to view the pictures larger. In light of our loss, it's been comforting to look at them and be reminded that we have been sealed for all eternity and any children that come to us will always be ours.

We trust in His will

Larry and I recently experienced a difficult loss. I had some complications and went to the doctor. They did an ultrasound and said that the chances for miscarriage were more than 50/50. Larry gave me a blessing and we prayed. It is difficult to hope for what I want, and at the same time, be willing to accept what God wants for me. While I was praying I told Heavenly Father that I was willing to lose the baby if it was His will. That was very difficult to pray for. I felt if only a small taste of what it must have been like for God to give up His Son. It was a profound realization that if we will submit to His will, it's easier to find peace. The pain and trials may still come, but God will always fulfill His promises to us. I didn't want to accept it but I knew that He was going to take our baby back. Later that day, June 30th, I had a miscarriage. It was a difficult experience but we trust that God's wisdom is perfect; That this trial will help us grow and that it has a purpose with our happiness in mind. Though it's hard to comprehend, we know that this difficult trial is a blessing to us. Larry and I are drawing closer to God and to each other through this experience. We've also been able to reavaluate our priorities and outlook on things. We understand the sadness that comes with anticipating a baby and then having everything come to a halt. Even though I wasn't too far along and we never met the baby, it doesn't minimize the loss. Though we don't know when the Spirit enters a baby, we still cared for him or her as a being with a Spirit. I guess I'm okay with not knowing how it works, but I like to think that this baby was a special Spirit that Heavenly Father needed to keep; or at least for now. Perhaps this baby is meant to be our gaurdian angel that will always watch over us. We have felt peace that everything will be okay. When the time is right, Heavenly Father will send us another baby. But we won't forget this one as our first. As we cope with this loss we think of the words found in Mosiah 24:15 "...the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."